Why Certify?

Certification by NAMSS puts you in the driver’s seat: It increases your potential for advancement in any healthcare environment and indicates to your supervisor(s) and accreditation surveyors that you are an expert in the field, both which enhance your value and job security. Here are some other reasons for credentialing specialists to seek certification by NAMSS:

More than 27% of current certificants received a salary increase as a result of their certification by NAMSS.

By achieving your CPCS designation, you gain confidence and demonstrate professional competence in the application of your knowledge.

CPCS certificants cite recognition and respect from peers and supervisors as a top value of certification.

CPCS Examination Eligibility Requirements

At the time of application, the candidate must be currently employed in the medical services profession for at least the past 12 consecutive months AND have a total of three years’ experience in the medical services profession within the past five years.

This examination is designed to test knowledge on the broad scope of those professionals employed at the level to which the title “Credentialing Specialist” would appropriately apply. While those activities in the field of provider enrollment are a respected function in the healthcare industry, the CPCS exam does not include content relative to provider enrollment. The CPCS exam tests specifically to the areas of credentialing, privileging and primary source verification.

Hands-on experience with the application of accreditation standards and experience with conducting the credentialing activities is a requisite for the candidate for certification. Provider enrollment specialists are typically involved in facilitation of applications and information, but are not involved in hands-on credentialing. Moreover, candidates are expected to have current, direct, preferably hands-on involvement in the major processes typically associated with this aspect of the health care industry including a majority of the areas covered in the Exam Content Outline in the Candidate Handbook.